From Pets to Plants to Pet Rocks… Consumers Are Seeking Connection

 No kidding? I remember those from the 70s… I guess everything comes back again at some point.

 Good business opportunities tap into that fundamental need for connection, right? Studies show that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even boost our immune systems.

 Absolutely. There's a reason dog ownership is linked to a longer lifespan. But a rock?

 Maybe. Imagine living in a culture with intense work pressure and a rise in single-person households. A pet rock might seem silly, but it provides a non-judgmental outlet for someone to talk to, confide in, or simply have a presence around.

 We might giggle about Pet Rocks being a hit in South Korea, but is it all that different than nearly half of Millennial and adult GenZ gardeners saying that they have referred to their plants as "my babies" or called themselves a "plant parent" at some point in the past year? I saw that on our third quarter survey.

 We all have that need for connection, even if it's expressed in unconventional ways.

 Maybe pet rocks are a bit extreme, but they tap into this core human desire for companionship and nurturing.

 Same thing for empty nesters who transfer those nurturing feelings to pets when their kids are grown… all the accessories, outfits, beds, human-grade food and more let them “parent” all over again.

 Interesting also that article called out a landscaping stone company that offered its own “rock companion” which sold out quickly… what a great example of a company thinking about what else they can do with their existing capabilities and finding a new niche, even if it’s a temporary fad.